Interview with Jonathan Dunne, author of The Black Hand

Welcome to the book tour for The Black Hand by Jonathan Dunne! Today you get the opportunity to know just about everything about him, his books, and his writing! I’ve also got a little sneak peek into the book for you. Leave him more questions in the comments section. Follow the tour to learn even more. And of course that gives you multiple chances to enter the giveaway!

Describe your book in one sentence or fewer than 25 words.

An immovable object meets an unstoppable force

What was the inspiration behind this book?

Nick Cave’s song Red Right Hand. Listen to the song…you’ll understand

What kind of research did you have to do for it?

A mountain of research. From forensics to weapons to big business along with psychology. All of my books deal with the consequences of untreated trauma. They are extreme examples but its an extreme subject.

Which character was your favorite to write?

Jacob Boylan. Clinical, lethal and unstoppable.

To which character did you relate the most?

Charlie Boylan. He struggles to maintain every day. The right road is not always the easiest.

What was one of your favorite scenes?

The kidnapping of Grace Boylan. Military precision in action.

Will we see these characters again?

God No! They need the rest.

Which of your book worlds would you like to visit?

I also write Fantasy. The secret world of School Wars is wonderful…that’s my choice.

Who would be your dream narrator for the audio book version?

Damien Dempsey. A genuine Dublin voice who captures the spirit of this city like no other.

Why should we read your book?

I challenge any reader to see the ending. Read the reviews. You will not.

What do you hope people will get out of your book?

Worthwhile escapism. Break neck pace.

How do you make yourself stand out in this genre?

I do. The masses just don’t know yet. They will.

Tell us about your other published works.

The Takeover is my first crime novel. It’s about the desensitization of a child by bully’s and gangsters. They ultimately misjudge his ferocious intelligence until it is too late. This is the story of a rise and rivalry between two Irish crime syndicates and the price we pay for neglecting children

On what are you currently working?

The Florist. It’s done in the first person and it’s a story of heartbreak, deep deception and ultimate power in Ireland’s underworld. It also a coming of age story.

What does your upcoming release schedule look like?

Hope to have the Florist released in 2019

What is your writing routine?

Morning time for me. Trying to capture that illusive flow and I’m more attuned to my emotions during the early hours.

What is the best writing advice you ever received?

Plan your novels. Received it from an editor of a national magazine in Ireland.

Who is your writing muse?

John Connolly. Absolutely love his work.

What is your favorite part about writing?

The escape into an alternative reality.

What is your least favorite part about writing?

Procrastination. (Yes we do it, too.)

What are you currently reading? Up next on your TBR?

Reading Sapiens at the moment. Next book in the Charlie Parker is my TBR.

What book and/or author changed your life?

A book called Fear by Geoff Thompson. Incredible man from Coventry. BAFTA award winner and a good soul.

Alan Turing. Great man. Saved millions of lives in anonymity and suffered horrifically when it was all said and done.

Let’s say I’m coming for a visit to your area. What are some must-see places?

Dublin is amazing. Phoenix Park, Trinity College, and the coast from Malahide to Portmarnock….Oh there is so many!!

What is something on your bucket list you have accomplished? Want to accomplish?

I’ve achieved more than I deserve, but not as much I want.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve penned multiple published books and still carry the same doubts, fears and insecurities from day one.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. There are fabulously talented writers out there. If you come across one of these gems…review their work. We live and die by word of mouth.

In the aftermath of Ireland’s most deadly gang war, Dublin’s ruling family has scattered to the wind.

Into the void steps a criminal genius known only as The Black Hand. His organisation’s powerful grip is ruthless, bloody and barbaric.

With Europe’s biggest crime in play, The Devil needs a distraction. And The Black Hand needs Jacob Boylan to return to Irish shores. He will stop at nothing to provoke Dublin’s most lethal criminal out of hiding.

But has the wily genius misstepped? As all eyes are on Jacob, the Dublin exile carefully plans a gangland wipeout, for he is nobody’s pawn.

Read an excerpt:

The Glock was steady in his grasp as he rested it gently under the security guard’s chin. Unloaded, the Glock weighed 660 grams, however this wasn’t empty. A trickle of sweat rolled down the man’s brow as Jacob spoke calmly.
‘Think of your loved ones. It’s only money. It’s replaceable. Take a deep breath and calm yourself.’
The guard’s eyes were wide with fear. His breathing was shallow. He began to urinate down his left leg.
Jacob watched the last bag of cash disappear into the vehicle. ‘Turn around and face the wall,’ he ordered. The guard obeyed without question. Jacob calmly sat in the back seat as they drove away.
The escape route had been planned. The surveillance was disabled. Nobody spoke as they drove. There was no speeding. The getaway was planned and smooth.
Jacob removed the balaclava and ran a hand through his sandy-blond hair. The two passengers in the front seat were giddy with excitement, but they concealed it well; Jacob had no time for juvenile behaviour. Only the passage of time would offer a definite escape, and even then, he wasn’t sure.
For twenty minutes, they drove in silence. The abandoned industrial estate was rare for London, otherwise it was perfect. They stepped from the vehicle, removed their overalls, and placed the weapons on the backseat. They were clean, but Jacob didn’t care; they were to be destroyed. A canister of petrol was removed from the trunk, with a small detonator attached. Jacob flicked the switch and didn’t look back as the car exploded.

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Jonathan Dunne is a native of Dublin’s north inner city. The Black Hand is his second novel in the crime genre. The Takeover – his first crime novel went on to wide acclaim and regularly featured in Amazon’s bestseller lists. He is also an avid MMA journalist who has penned articles for some of Ireland’s biggest publications. He holds a Degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology and is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and education. After returning to complete his leaving certificate as an adult in Jonathan has went on to have four novels published.

Without a doubt its Lisbeth Salander in Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She’s a woman of immense intellect and grit. A character who should be grinded down by life but somehow manages to rise, every time against insurmountable odds. A resilience like no other! Amazing novel. Amazing character.

Its hard to speak for all authors but I enjoy everything. From biographies, to crime, Nordic crime and even science fiction and fantasy. Delve into classics now and again but generally something will grab your attention…irrespective of the genre and that’s the signs of a strong body of work.

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About Me

andi

Andi's other nickname is Candrel, though some also still call her Pearl because of her undying love for Pearl Jam.She is a Montessori kid who became a Montessori educator and never stops learning. You can find her all over the place learning new crafts, reading, writing, playing outside, and sampling all kinds of new foods and beverages. That is, when she's not stalking her favorite local and national musical acts. Oh yeah, don't forget to keep her stocked in copious amounts of coffee. It is necessary to fuel her.